Cleveland Browns Defensive Tackle Mason Graham Leaves TNF With Injury

While the Cleveland Browns, and their vociferous fans, were all smiles after a 27-24 victory in a Week 4 victory over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. While the Browns moved into sole possession of first place in the AFC North Division, there was one very concerning injury which happened early in the first half.

Defensive tackle Mason Graham got caught up on the line, rushing Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first quarter on an epic, 17-play touchdown drive, and he was bent backwardly awkwardly before crumpling to the ground. He was lying flat on his back with his hands on his face mask for a few moments before the Amazon Prime Video telecast cut to commercial.

Graham appeared to grasp at his hamstring, before he was able to gingerly hobble to the locker room. It turns out he suffered a left knee injury, and he was seen leaving the locker room on crutches while wearing a leg brace after the game, according to WEWS Channel 5 reporter Camryn Justice.

#Browns DT Mason Graham left the locker room in a leg brace, on crutches.

Graham was ruled out shortly after halftime, and his three-game sack streak went up in smoke as a result. Graham entered the game leading the NFL in sacks by an interior defensive lineman through the first three weeks.

With Graham sidelined, defensive tackle Maliek Collins stepped up his game, recording a sack with two solo tackles, four total stops and a quarterback hit. He also recorded two tackles for loss. Defensive end Adin Huntington had a sack, posting four total stops with one solo tackle, a tackle for loss and a game-high three quarterback hits.

Linebacker Sam Williams, claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys after roster cuts following the preseason games, recorded his first sack as a member of the Browns. Meanwhile, defensive end Isaiah McGuire and defensive end Mike Hall Jr. also recorded a sack.

Browns cornerback Tyson Campbell (knee) and safety Grant Delpit (shoulder) were limited in practice earlier in the week, but after a full practice Wednesday, they were removed from the injury report. Campbell and Delpit made a big impact, too. Campbell had seven total stops and a team-best six solo tackles, while recording a pass defensed.

Delpit had six total stops with four solo tackles, while adding a pass defensed. He also had the win-clinching interception with :01 left in regulation. Cornerback Denzel Ward Jr. also had four total stops, three solo tackles, a pass defensed and an interception in the win.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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